Announcements
August 2016
Money management is topic of student lunch series
Mark your calendar for a series of three lunch-and-learn sessions to help students with money management skills. Attendees can enter to win a gift card from the ISU Book Store. The one-hour sessions, hosted by the student loan education office, include:
- Sept. 15, "How to Save Money by Following a Budget," 11 a.m.-noon, MU Pioneer Room
- Oct. 5, "The Basics of Student Loans and Credit," noon-1 p.m., MU Pioneer Room
- Nov. 15, "Money Management and Loan Repayment for Graduating Students," 12:15-1:15 p.m., MU Campanile Room
Extension and outreach diversity officer to speak at Sept. 13 P&S Council seminar
Ross Wilburn, ISU Extension and Outreach diversity officer, will speak at the next Professional and Scientific Council seminar on Sept. 13 (2-3 p.m., MU Gallery). He will discuss the efforts extension and outreach is taking to meet diversity needs through its programs and at its 100 county offices. All employees are invited to attend. Seminars are livestreamed during the event. Previous recorded seminars also are available online.
Running club hosts Sept. 17 event
The Iowa State Running Club will host "Mile on Main Street" on Saturday, Sept. 17 (9 a.m. start, Tom Evans Park, downtown Ames). The one-mile route takes runners north through historic Old Town and back. Online preregistration is $15 ($20 the day of); $5 of every registration will be donated to Nephcure Kidney International.
Fountain celebration postponed
The 75th anniversary celebration for the Fountain of the Four Seasons, scheduled for noon today (Aug. 31), has been postponed. Traditional dancers and the Brown Otter drum group from the Meskwaki Settlement were scheduled to perform at the event. A family emergency forced the group to cancel its appearance. A new date will be announced when scheduling is finalized.
Memorial service, reception for Chet Britt are Sept. 3
A memorial service for sociology professor and department chair Chet Britt will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, at the United Church of Christ-Congregational, 217 6th St. Following the service, there will be a reception in the Memorial Union Campanile Room. Britt died Aug. 30 in Ames from a severe reaction to a wasp sting on Aug. 16. Britt joined the ISU faculty in August 2015. A Chet Britt Memorial Fund has been established at the ISU Foundation to honor his career. Gifts may be made online (the bottom of the website provides a place to enter "Chet Britt Memorial Fund") or checks mailed to 2505 University Blvd., Ames, 50010.
Sick kids? Consider the Comfort Zone
The Comfort Zone, a program of University Community Childcare, is a "get-well" center for mildly ill children (infants through fifth grade) who are cared for by a registered nurse and professional child care staff. Preregistration is required to send your child(ren) there. Information is online or email czone@iastate.edu. The Comfort Zone, located north of campus at 2623 Bruner Dr., opens Sept. 1.
13th Street to close on Sept. 6 near aquatic center
In the final of a three-phase improvement project, all four lanes of 13th Street, between the Furman Aquatic Center entrance and the railroad spur line, will close Tuesday, Sept. 6, for an estimated 21 days (weather permitting). Pedestrians and bicyclists will be allowed through on the sidewalk on the north side of the street only. The designated detour for vehicles is Stange Road, 24th Street and Northwestern Avenue. Ridgewood Avenue and Crescent Street will remain closed at 13th Street to all (vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians).
Learn more about fire safety this month
September is Campus Fire Safety Month across the country. ISU Environmental Health and Safety provides opportunities to learn tips for preventing fires and steps to take in the event of a fire. Here are five things you can do this month to make the Iowa State campus safer:
- Complete fire safety and fire extinguisher training (online and classroom versions). The goal is that 10,000 people on campus will do this in 2016. Register via Learn@ISU.
- Watch Cy demonstrate the P.A.S.S. method of putting out a fire using a fire extinguisher.
- Visit the Campus Fire Safety Day exhibit on Sept. 21 (9 a.m.-noon, west of Curtiss Hall). Put out a fire and get a T-shirt.
- Learn evacuation procedures to get out of a campus building safely in the event of a fire.
- Regularly visit EH&S' Facebook and Twitter sites for tips on fire safety and emergency preparedness.
Registration for Homecoming parade entries opens Sept. 15
All campus departments, colleges and professional organizations are invited to submit an entry for Iowa State's reinstated Homecoming parade, to be held on Sunday, Oct. 23 (2 p.m. downtown Ames). Sept. 15 is the first day entries (other than recognized student groups) may be submitted. Entries can be traditional floats, decorated vehicles or walking entries. The cost is $50, payable through intramural or credit card. More information is online; questions may be emailed to ccurrent@iastate.edu.
Single-event tickets to Stephens performances go on sale Sept. 2
Tickets for single events in the 2016-17 Performing Arts Series at Stephens Auditorium go on sale Friday, Sept. 2 via Ticketmaster and the Stephens box office. The 16 shows run from early October through late April and include Broadway musicals, comedy, a holiday Cirque performance, international musical groups and a Peppa Pig live performance.
Summer synopsis
Here's a look at some of the changes that took place across campus this summer while students were away.
Food, beverage guidelines set for university classrooms
After decades of a "no food or beverages" rule, departments and student organizations that use general university classrooms now may bring in both.
Resources for those affected by a summer of tragedies
Some students, faculty and staff may be feeling the effects of a summer marked by acts of violence, natural disasters and other traumatic events. Resources are available for those struggling with coursework, emotional or physical issues or simply navigating campus.
Leath reintroduces Principles of Community
A decade ago, student leaders spurred the development of six principles that exemplified their aspirations for the ISU community. In a letter to faculty, staff and students earlier this week, President Leath called for recommitment to the principles.
ISU information security tightens network access to thwart would-be intruders
Increasing attacks on ISU networks have prompted IT officials to tighten security. Starting Sept. 1, those accessing office computers or servers from off-campus will need to include ISU's VPN in the sign-on process.
Welcome to fall semester
An estimated 190 staff, administrators and faculty welcomed students to Iowa State at stations around campus duing the first two days of class.
Professional development opportunity for LAS women faculty
Tenured and tenure-track women faculty in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are invited to register for a Sept. 16 professional development workshop (9 a.m.-noon, 1204 Kildee). "Advancing ISU's Women Faculty: Strategies for Being Productive and Getting Recognized" will be facilitated by Joy Gaston Gayles, an associate professor at North Carolina State University who specializes in diversity and equity issues. Registration is free and includes a networking lunch following the workshop. Contact Tracy Lucht or Amy Erica Smith for more information.
Biotech council has three new members
David Grewell, professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering; Paul Plummer, associate professor of veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine; and Nicole Valenzuela, associate professor of ecology, evolution and organismal biology, were selected to serve three-year terms on the university's Biotechnology Council. The council, with representatives from the five colleges involved in biotechnology research, makes recommendations to the Office of Biotechnology on program activities supporting biotechnology research, education and outreach.
Session on PDF accessibility is Aug. 25
ISU web accessibility coordinator Zayira Jordan and Dena Fife, instructional development coordinator in the Brenton Center, will offer brief training and answer questions about making PDFs accessible during a Zoom videoconference on Aug. 25 (3-4 p.m.). If you don't have it, get a free download of Zoom ahead of time. Connect to the videoconference from your computer. Or, join the session by phone: (646) 558-8656 or (408) 638-0968; meeting I.D. is 963 759 324.
Financial literacy guide available for students
Students seeking financial guidance may access the "FInancial Literacy Guide for ISU Students" online. The guide, developed by the offices of student financial aid and student loan education and the University Library, helps students make wise financial decisions in college and beyond.
'Women Impacting ISU' calendar nominations due Sept. 30
Nominations for the Catt Center's 2017 Women Impacting ISU calendar are due Sept. 30. Any woman who currently is a student or an employee at Iowa State may be nominated; 12 will be selected by a committee and announced at a public reception in January. Employee nominees must still work at Iowa State in calendar year 2017; students graduating in May 2017 are eligible. More information, including the nomination form, are online. Questions may be directed to the Catt Center, 294-3181.
Sept. 2 hearing precedes regents' Iowa City meeting
If you'd like to comment on any items scheduled for discussion at the state Board of Regents Sept. 7-8 meeting in Iowa City, you have several options:
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Attend one of six public hearings held at the regents institutions and board office Sept. 1-2. Iowa State's hearing is Friday, Sept. 2 (noon-1 p.m.), Oak Room, Memorial Union. All public hearings will be video recorded and posted to the regents' hearings website. Transparency officer Shirley Knipfel will preside at the meeting.
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Provide written comments to regents transparency officer Josh Lehman, jlehman@iastate.edu.
Meeting materials and an agenda for the September meeting will be posted to the regents homepage by Aug. 30.
Homecoming parade entry submissions open Aug. 24
All recognized student organizations are invited to submit an entry for Iowa State's reinstated Homecoming parade, to be held on Sunday, Oct. 23 (2 p.m. downtown Ames). Aug. 24 is the first day entries may be submitted. Entries can be traditional floats, decorated vehicles or walking entries. Registration for student groups is free (but groups who register and don't participate will be charged $100). More information is online; questions may be emailed to ccurrent@iastate.edu.
Home grown apples distributed at welcome tents
Apples harvested at the horticulture farm north of Ames for ISU Dining will be served on campus next week.
Safe travel on campus: There's an app for that
Anyone concerned about walking on campus at night can summon a free ride via a new Uber-like service -- SafeRide ISU.
Overheard during new student move-in
New students moved in this week, with the help of their families, friends and a few hundred members of the move-in crew.
Fall 2016 facts
On the eve of a new academic year, university relations staff compiled an overview of who's coming, as well as some of the campus improvements since last fall to enhance the student experience.
Lane switch on 13th Street project occurs Friday
East- and westbound traffic on 13th Street, from the Furman Aquatic Center to Ridgewood Avenue, will switch to the north lanes on Friday, Aug. 19. Traffic remains reduced to one lane in each direction. Pedestrians and bicyclists should use the newly installed sidewalk on the north side of 13th Street. The next tasks on this months-long project: Reconstruct the shared-use path on the south side of 13th Street and the outside eastbound vehicle lane, an estimated 6-week phase, depending on the weather. Ridgewood and Cresecent streets remained closed at 13th Street.
Single-game football tickets go on sale Aug. 18
Cyclone football tickets for single games and a three-game mini pack (Oklahoma, Texas Tech and West Virgina) will go on sale at 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 18. Single-game tickets are $30-$65.
West-bound Lincoln Way closed for water pipe emergency
City of Ames employees and a crew from a water leak detection specialist have been working since 6 p.m. Sunday to locate and isolate a break in a 12-inch main water pipeline under Lincoln Way, somewhere between Lynn and Ash avenues. The west-bound lanes of Lincoln Way are closed for this block (south of the Memorial Union). The city's goal is to reopen at least one westbound lane by the end of Monday, if possible.
Be part of a prepared campus
Nobody wants to think about emergency situations, but a little planning now can be a life saver. Environmental Health and Safety encourages all faculty, staff and students to prepare themselves with the knowledge to handle unexpected situations. EH&S has prepared these tools:
- Emergency Response Guide/Website. Provides an opportunity to consider and discuss steps to take in the event of a fire, severe weather, urgent situation (such as medical emergency or bomb threat) or a violent incident (such as an active shooter on campus).
- Eight-minute video. Iowa State students and police officers help demonstrate how the campus community should handle emergencies.
Poster sale is Aug. 17-26
The Student Activities Center in the Memorial Union will host its annual poster sale Aug. 17-26 (9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, MU Campanile Room). On sale will be hundreds of choices from art prints and movies to music and pop culture. Most posters are priced $8-$12; sale proceeds support art programs at the Memorial Union.
Finalists selected for new Hispanic/Latino affairs position
Three finalists for the new project director of Hispanic/Latino affairs in the vice president for diversity and inclusion office will interview on campus in the next few weeks.
Policy clarifies: Free expression throughout campus
For some time, officials have sought to correct a mistaken notion that free expression on campus was confined to a few designated zones. They hope a newly revised policy will help. The new version is streamlined, easier to understand and emphasizes that expressive activities are encouraged throughout campus, says policy administrator Sheryl Rippke.
Responsiveness drives new student affairs leadership structure
Senior VP Martino Harmon did lots of listening and studied other universities' student affairs structures before proposing changes for his division.
First stop: State fair exhibit
The university's state fair exhibit, which opens today, features one of the newly refabricated G-Nome sculptures and seven other campus works of art among its attractions. In the fair's Varied Industries Building, the Iowa State exhibit is open daily 9 a.m.-9 p.m. through Aug. 21.
Employees receive discount on gardens membership
Reiman Gardens has initiated a 20 percent discount on any membership level for all current ISU employees. Receive the discount on memberships purchased either at the gardens (bring your ISU Card), over the phone or via the mail with a membership form; online purchases won't include the discount at this time. For employees who are current members, the discount will be applied at renewal time. More information is online.
Nutcracker Ballet auditions are Sept. 11
Auditions for the Dec. 10-11 performances of "The Nutcracker Ballet" at Stephens Auditorium will be held Sunday, Sept. 11 (noon-7:30 p.m., Stephens). The production showcases more than 200 local dancers. Dancers are asked to arrive at 11:15 a.m. with a completed registration form. Additional audition details are available online.
University childcare has preschool, after-school openings
University Community Childcare, Stange Road at Bruner Drive on the north side of campus, has openings in these programs:
- Rock Stars after-school program for children in kindergarten through grade 5, beginning Aug. 22. Children may ride their school bus to the center from most Ames schools.
- Tumblin' Tigers preschool program for three- to five-year-olds. Children may enroll for two, three or five (full or partial) days per week. Families of children who are four years old on or before Sept. 15 may be eligible for 10 free hours of preschool per week.
For more information about either program, call 294-9838. A sliding fee scale is available for qualified families. UCC is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Students return to residence halls Aug 16-19; watch for heavier traffic
Students living in residence halls this year will be moving in Tuesday-Friday, Aug. 16-19. The residence department suggests that faculty and staff avoid areas where movein congestion is likely, including Union Drive in the southwest part of campus and Beach Road on the east side of campus.
Campus conversation focuses on recent violent events
Faculty and staff are invited to "Campus Conversation I," a safe space to share and discuss the impact of recent events in Baton Rouge, Dallas, Orlando, St. Paul, etc. The discussion, on Tuesday, Aug. 16 (3:30-5 p.m., MU Sun Room) is open to all faculty and staff -- those who are hurting and those interested in supporting colleagues and understanding their experiences. It is hosted by a collaboration of campus groups (equity advisers, multicultural liaison officers, FSA and P&S councils, Faculty Senate). RSVP online.
Seminar looks at office safety
Officer Timothy Denger, ISU Police, will present "Being Prepared for the Unexpected: Safety in Your Office and Public Places," on Tuesday, Aug. 9 (2-3 p.m., MU Gallery Room). The seminar is part of an informational series hosted by the P&S Council. The university community is welcome.
Finalists named for new LGBTQA+ affairs post
Four finalists will interview soon for a new post -- project director of LGBTQA+ affairs, in the vice president for diversity and inclusion office.
Solar "challenge" lives up to its name
Team PrISUm has used its collective problem-solving skills to handle adversity each of the first five days of the eight-day American Solar Challenge.
Experience art in the making at the Iowa State Fair
Art, landscaping and architecture will be showcased in the university's "Your Beautiful Adventure" state fair exhibit, Aug. 11-21 in the Varied Industries Building. Works from university museums' Art on Campus collection will be on display, with 20 portraits of Iowa Staters added as they're painted on site.
A new look for Pammel Drive
Most of Pammel Drive was repaired, resurfaced and restriped last month as a two-lane road with left turn lanes and painted center medians. The goal is improved safety for pedestrians.
Sixth Street reopens at Brookside Park
The city of Ames reopened Sixth Street just east of campus Aug. 4 after a nine-month closure to replace the bridge over Squaw Creek. The improvements include protected sidewalks and dedicated on-street bike lanes in both directions. Happy trails.
Reminder: Summer office hours end Aug. 12
University offices that adjusted their hours for the summer are reminded that summer hours conclude this year on Friday, Aug. 12.
South 16th Street east of Vet Med campus closed next week
A short section of South 16th Street (from S. Riverside Drive to Apple Place) will be closed Aug. 9-11 for a city of Ames project to replace a water valve beneath the road. This closure is just east of the College of Veterinary Medicine's "A" entrance, which will remain open. However, vehicle traffic to the college, including the veterinary hospital, will have to approach from the west, via University Boulevard to South 16th Street. Pedestrians and bicyclists will be allowed through, but should use caution around the equipment and work crew. Depending on the weather, the road should reopen by Friday, Aug. 12.
Widespread Panic concert tickets go on sale Aug. 12
The blues-rock band Widespread Panic returns to Ames Wednesday, Oct. 26, for a 7:30 p.m. concert at Stephens Auditorium. Reserved tickets ($53) go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 12, via Ticketmaster.
EH&S hosts lab safety orientation for graduate students
Are you an incoming graduate student who will be working in a lab? Or do you know of someone who will be a new graduate student this fall? Environmental Health & Safety will host a 4-hour Laboratory Safety Orientation class on Aug. 12, 16 and 18 (8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., EH&S Services Building). Register for one session on Learn@ISU (log in with your ISU Net ID) to learn valuable hands-on skills and receive the tools you need to work safely in your laboratory.
September STEMFest welcomes exhibitors
As part of its 30th anniversary celebration, the Program for Women in Science and Engineering is planning STEMFest on Saturday, Sept. 17 (1-4 p.m, Howe and Sukup halls) to promote the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields to students of all ages and families. STEMFest will include hands-on activities, speakers, demonstrations and interactions with role models. Program leaders invite departments and organizations to host a booth and provide a fun, educational hands-on activity for kids and information to parents. Register a session online. Questions may be directed to Janice Crow.
Darr named interim VP for university human resources
Kristi Darr, director of human resources, has been appointed as interim vice president for university human resources, effective today (Aug. 1). Darr has served in university human resources for eight years in varying roles, most recently as director of human resources, overseeing talent acquisition, employee and labor relations and learning and development. The VP post previously was held by Julie Nuter, who recently resigned to accept a position with Argonne National Laboratory, near Chicago.
Pammel reopens as a two-lane road
A five-week project to repair, resurface and restripe Pammel Drive as a two-lane road with center turn lanes and painted medians is in the home stretch. Most of the traffic cones have been removed from the roadway. A final task is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 6: striping Pammel Drive east of Stange Road and west of Bissell Road to align vehicles with the new traffic pattern as they enter the zone. Drivers are asked to be attentive to the new two-lane format, with the center of the road reserved for turning vehicles. Pedestrians may pause on the striped medians as they cross Pammel Drive.
Arts and events
'Die Fledermaus' is a farce of mistaken identity, flirtation and a practical joke with unanticipated consequences. It opens Nov. 7 in Fisher Theater.
